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Page 255
bitterness from it would taint the long future. They both understood Ian's deeper meaning in spite of the laughter. Both thought at once of the ceremony of homage that would be enacted that day and thought it was an excellent example. If their marriage contract had not specified that Alinor would continue to take homage from her vassals, Ian might have expected to do so. Then a different kind of quarrel, one that might end in permanent separation or even in war, might have arisen.
''Doubtless," Alinor remarked, "between your temper and mine we will find the wherewithal for a few cross words. Nonetheless, I see what you mean. The difficulty"
"I," Ian interrupted sententiously, "have a very sweet temper." They both laughed again, but Ian sobered quickly. "The difficulty, of course, is to convince the king to sign such a contract. He will see it certainly as a means to chain him down."
"Which it is. Is this your thought on how to cage the wolf, Ian?"
"Not mine alone, but I had some part in it. Contracts, as you may imagine, have been on my mind for some time."
"It is a good thought, but I cannot see, short of rebellion, how to force the king to sign."
Ian rubbed at the stubble of his beard nervously. "I will not have part in any rebellion. I am sworn to the king. Still, it might be managed. There are many things the barons say are their right that the king contests. The contract could be sweetened by chaining the barons, too."
"But the neither will be willing to sign!"
"I have some hope of it. It must be carefully written and not done in any haste. If each side thinks there is more of benefit in it for himthe Church might be of some help, and Langton, if he be chosen for archbishop Alinor, this is no time to be talking of such

 
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